Iowa Past to Present Online Teacher's Guide

Browse the links on this page or select a chapter from the list below for related content and classroom resources.

Chapter 16: World War I and Hard Times After

Introduction

In 1914, a terrible war began among the major countries in the world. Although the United States tried to stay out of it, American troops joined the fighting within three years. Once American soldiers were involved, most Iowans strongly supported the war effort. Young men from Iowa farms, small towns, and cities were soon taking their places on the battlefields of France. Farmers back home worked hard to raise more livestock and grow more crops, and Iowa families tried not to waste food and other resources. When the news of victory finally came, there was wild rejoicing. After the war, however, farmers faced new problems and hard times. They were growing too much food. Prices for their products fell sharply and many had to leave their farms.

Explore the resources on this page to find out more about ideas in the chapter:

Pathways: Find related articles and make connections with other ideas in Iowa history.

Artifacts: View related images, videos and more.

Side Trails: Explore more on this topic on other websites.

Suggested Classroom Resources and Lesson Plans

The Depression, Explorations in Iowa History Project, University of Northern Iowa

Iowa Pathways Quest and Challenges
The Iowa Pathways Quest and Challenges are a collection of tasks that support students as they make and interpret connections among the people, places, events, and ideas of Iowa. Worksheets that model the thinking and research process are provided, as well as rubrics to aid you and your students.

Iowa Past to Present Chapter Listing

This online teachers guide was developed as a companion to the textbook Iowa Past to Present: The People and the Prairie (Revised 3rd Ed.); written by Dorothy Schwieder, Thomas Morain, and Lynn Nielsen; published by University of Iowa Press. Select a chapter from the list below to find related content and classroom resources.